3 Movies Every Bruce Springsteen Fan Should See

What can you say about Bruce Springsteen? Or, rather, what can’t you say? The 74-year-old New Jersey-born songwriter and artist is one of the best-known, best-loved, important, and significant musicians of the 20th century and he’s continuing to make his mark in the 21st.

Not only has he written songs like “Dancing in the Dark” and “Born in the U.S.A.” but he’s produced podcasts with former POTUS Barack Obama, written hits for other artists, including Patti Smith, and continued to maintain the rugged street poet persona that has made him an icon.

[RELATED: 5 Essential Albums and Projects Featuring Bruce Springsteen]

But Springsteen is not only a star on records. He’s perfect for the silver and small screens, too.

1. Springsteen on Broadway (2018)

This 2018 Netflix documentary and concert film showcases Bruce musically stripped down, telling stories and strumming his acoustic guitar. Shot in New York City, this movie ran on the streaming giant during the holidays some five years ago, dropping officially on December 16. (The soundtrack album was released two days prior.) If you want an intimate look at the artist known as the Boss, this is your window inside. Check out the trailer below.

2. Western Stars (2019)

This film debuted at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival and it includes the Boss performing—backed by his E Street Band and an orchestra—songs from the 2019 album of the same name. This movie also marks Springsteen’s directorial debut. Said Cameron Bailey, TIFF’s artistic director, “The album and the film are both about this fading Western movie B-level star who’s looking back on his life and the decisions he’s made.” Check it out below.

3. Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You (2020)

This 2020 black-and-white album is meant to recall a perfectly grey New Jersey day, hearkening to the, at times, dreary weather of the Garden State. This movie, which highlights Springsteen’s 2020 album, Letter To You, was completed as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking over the world and, thus finished remotely. Check out the love “letter” and its trailer below.

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images